A late try by winger Sally Tuson snatched victory for England Women against a tenacious Wales side at Aberavon in the RBS 6 Nations championship.

A try by replacement prop Megan York five minutes from full time put Wales in front for the first time in the match but Rhys Edwards' side were unable to hold out the red rose brigade as Tuson pounced to give her side a hard fought 16-20 victory in the dying stages.

England began the brighter with Amber Reed slotting a penalty inside the first 60 seconds and when Sarah Hunter exploded from a scrum to score in the 14th minute to put her side 0-8 ahead, the signs didn't look good for Wales.

But Wales hit back in stunning fashion with the try of the match in the 20th minute. Elinor Snowsill, who produced another outstanding performance at fly half, chipped over the on-rushing English defence. Elen Evans picked up the ball and off-loaded to Charlie Murray who outsprinted the cover to score in the corner.

Wales put themselves under pressure when full back Dyddgu Hywel had her clearance kick charged down for Lydia Thompson to collect the bouncing ball to score. Reed added the conversion to put England ahead 5-13.

Snowsill reduced the deficit with a penalty as Wales entered the break just five points behind.

England attempted to spread the ball in the second half but they were constantly denied by a stubborn defence where 19-year-old centre Rebecca de Filippo led Wales' rearguard superbly.

Props Jenny Davies and Catrin Davies along with Sioned Harries and captain Rachel Taylor also tackled with vigour and with 10 minutes remaining Snowsill edged Wales back into the game with another penalty.

With England looking rattled, Wales continued to apply the pressure and deservedly took the lead when York burrowed her way over from close range to send the home fans into a frenzy.

But a winning finale was denied when Tuson muscled her way over by the corner flag to hand England third place in the tournament while Wales finished fourth.

Despite the defeat, Wales still qualify for the 2014 Women's World Cup, but Italy and Scotland have yet to do so.

Even though Wales had defeat snatched from their grasp, head coach Rhys Edwards was proud of the effort his side put in.

"It's gutting to lose in the way we did, we knew England were there for the taking. To be in the position of winning the game when we haven't got a point against them in the last two years so it was a great opportunity. But just like against Ireland, a missed tackle in the last couple of minutes and they score a try that wins the game.

"On the plus side we have qualified for the World Cup so we have 18 months to build towards that. We are in a good position as we've got a young side with plenty of potential and we've shown this season what we are capable of doing."